Buzz Blog

Armed, masked rapist attacks student at U

Campus police asking public for leads.

A University of Utah student was raped by an armed man in a grim reaper mask midday Monday, police report. Campus police say the unnamed victim was walking to her car after class around 12:15 p.m.when she was approached by the masked man holding a pistol.

"She was approach at gunpoint, taken into the back of her car and raped," said Garth Smith, Utah University Police Department sergeant.

Smith said it’s disconcerting that the crime occurred on Halloween when many masked people are running around. The alleged culprit is about 6 feet tall and was wearing all black. He walked south in the Merrill Engineering parking lot. Police are urging the public to provide any information.

Smith said the victim did not say anything that would indicate she knew the perpetrator. As of Monday evening, authorities had no solid leads.

Students or faculty feeling uneasy can ask for a police escort.

"If people want an escort from building to building, building to car, car to building, anywhere on campus give us a call. We'll walk them," he said.

The campus police non-emergency number is 801-595-2677. Police are also seeking information on its Facebook page.

“Try to go in pairs if you can, be on the lookout for suspicious behavior around you and give us a call if you see anything,” Smith said.